Former snooker star Silvino Francisco – who won the 1985 British Open – has died aged 78.
The South African was a widely popular player on the circuit throughout the 1980s and reached number ten in the world rankings at his peak.
To this day, Francisco remains the only African player to have won a ranking event in the sport.
More than 15.5 million viewers tuned in to watch Francisco’s victory over Kirk Stevens in the final of the British Open 39 years ago.
After a long and illustrious career in the game, which included memorable wins over the likes of Jimmy White and Alex Higgins, Francisco announced his retirement in 1997.
‘Silvino Francisco, a former world number ten and the only African player to win a ranking event, sadly passed away this month at the age of 78,’ a statement from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association confirmed earlier today.
‘WST and WPBSA extend our sincere condolences to Silvino’s wife June and all of his family and friends.’
In the latter part of his career, Francisco experienced struggles with gambling problems and he was declared bankrupt in 1996, a year before his retirement.
In 1997, Francisco was arrested after admitting smuggling cannabis with a street value of £155,000 through Dover and served three years in prison.
Francisco spent much of his later years with his family and dedicated himself to helping nurture and develop the next generation of snooker stars.
More to follow.
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